To kick-off the holiday season, students and staff at Ross Medical Education Center in Charleston, West Virginia decided to participate in the American Red Cross’ “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program. Students, staff, and faculty were given cards and asked to write well wishes to military men and women. Everyone on the campus responded enthusiastically, taking cards and filling them with wishes of happy holidays for the troops.
The “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program empowers people to “Give Something That Means Something” by sending a card of thanks and support to the members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. American Red Cross volunteers work to determine how to best distribute cards to service members in their local communities, across the nation and around the world. Cards may be delivered individually, included in care packages or displayed at common venues in military installations and hospitals.
The campus was very excited for the opportunity to participate in this program as the holiday season draws near. Many students have a family member or friend who is serving or has served in the Armed Forces. Tammy Phillips, Charleston Academic Dean, said, “The students and I realized that if it wasn’t for our troops, none of us would be where we are today. It was the least we could do for them.” The Charleston campus was able to collect 70 cards and write heartfelt messages inside them before sending them off the troops that will be away from their families and spending the holidays overseas or in the hospital.
If you are interested in sending a card (or more than one!) to U.S. troops in the hospital or overseas over the holidays, it’s not too late! Visit http://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter to find your local chapter of the American Red Cross where cards can be dropped off. To find out more about the program, visit http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes.